Works from the IMA’s permanent collection are always in motion. Some travel to other museums. Others return from study or conservation. Still others come out of storage to create new conversations in the galleries. Together, these changes keep the museum’s collection active, responsive, and worth revisiting. Here are some recent changes you can explore on your next visit to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

John Cage (American, 1912–1992), Medicine Drawings, 1991, handmade paper of Chinese medicinal plants, 14 x 12 in. (sheet); 18 x 15-1/4 x 3-1/2 in. (portfolio). Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Ann M. Stack in honor of Marty Krause, 2016.398A-L. © John Cage Trust.

Message is the Medium

Floor 2, Gallery W203
Opened early 2026

The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art traces the evolution of contemporary art history from the early 20th century through today, with an emphasis on experimental works beyond painting and sculpture.

New in the IMA Galleries:

• Medicine Drawings, John Cage

Antonio Cortelazzo (Italian, 1819–1903), Ewer and Basin, about 1870, steel, silver, gold and gilding, A) ewer: 19-1/8 x 10 x 7 in.; B) basin: 1-7/8 x 23-5/8 x 23- 5/8 in. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Purchased with funds provided by the Decorative Arts Society, the Robertine Daniels Art Fund in memory of her late husband, Richard Monroe Fairbanks Sr., and her late son, Michael Fairbanks, and the Anonymous Endowed Decorative Arts Fund, and the Krannert Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Krannert, and Mrs. Robertine Daniels in memory of Mrs. Albert Beveridge by exchange., 2002.78A-B.

Decorative Arts

Floor 2, Patrick O'Riley and Elizabeth Gilbert Fortune Gallery, H205
Opened March 26, 2026

The Decorative Arts gallery showcases the breadth of the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s collection of decorative pieces from the 18th and 19th century. These newly installed works from our permanent collections are excellent examples of two revival styles, Renaissance Revival and Neoclassical, that were popular in the 1800s.

New in the IMA Galleries:

• Ewer and Basin, Antonio Cortelazzo

• coffee service, Gottfried Schmidt, Vienna Porcelain Manufactory

Émile H. Bernard (French, 1868–1941), Pont-Aven Seen from the Bois d'Amour, 1892, oil on canvas, 28-3/8 x 36-1/4 in. (canvas); 38 x 45-1/4 in. (framed). Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Samuel Josefowitz Collection of the School of Pont-Aven, through the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., the Josefowitz Family, Mr. and Mrs. James M. Cornelius, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Betley, Lori and Dan Efroymson, and other Friends of the Museum, 1998.174

Admirers of Vincent van Gogh

Floor 2, Sidney and Kathy Taurel Gallery, H206
Opened May 18, 2026

A recently installed painting by Émile Bernard reveals his stylistic approach to landscape painting among the artists in Van Gogh’s circle. Learn more about the recent conservation of this painting on our Newsroom.

New in the IMA Galleries:

• Pont-Aven Seen from the Bois d'Amour, Émile Bernard

We look forward to welcoming you back each season and sharing fresh art from our permanent collection. There’s always something new happening at Newfields. For tickets and more, plan your visit today.